Diabetes and Recurring Candida Infections - Prevention Tips

People with type 2 diabetes
often struggle with a variety of skin issues. Diabetes and recurring candida infections
is one of the types of skin problem that can cause a lot of discomfort and stress.
Candida albicans
is an organism that lives naturally on our bodies and usually does not cause problems.
However, when it grows out of control it can cause a yeast infection.
A diabetic is more prone to infections, but there are some ways to
help prevent or minimize the risk.

Lowering the Risk of a Candida Infection

Try to lose weight, if you are overweight. This will help
to reduce the number of folds in the skin, a common place for candida
albicans infections, which like moist areas.
Weight loss
will also help to reduce the amount of sweating (eliminating more moistness),
plus even a small weight loss is beneficial in helping to keep
blood glucose levels under control.

Only use antiobiotics or other medications as prescribed by
your doctor. Antiobitics can kill off 'good bacteria' which works
to fight off yeast.

Take good care of your hands and feet
in particular. Wear gloves when working around the house or yard. Protect your
skin from cuts and scrapes, even minor ones, which can increase
the risk of an infection setting in.

Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Take
all medications, anti-fungal creams, lotions, or pills as
directed. Complete the entire course of treatment even if
the infection looks like it's gone away.

Don't wait to see the doctor in the hopes that the
infection will go away on its own. If it recurs, make an
appointment and treat it early. Different medications may
need to be tried if the one you're currently taking isn't
resolving the problem.

Keep your blood sugar levels tightly controlled.
Elevated blood sugar gives yeast 'food' to grow on. Keeping
blood sugar levels within your target range (as set by your
doctor) will also help to prevent, delay, or minimize the
severity of other diabetes-related complications.
Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly
so that you can quickly identify and address any problems.

Diabetes and recurring candida infections aren't uncommon,
but they can be minimized or even prevented in some cases.
Follow a consistent at-home skin care
routine; eat a healthy and appropriate diet; get routine
exercise; and take medications as directed. Infections that
continue to recur despite taking all precautions, home care,
and treatment, should be reported to your doctor as there
may be another underlying condition that must be treated.

The information on this website is based on our own research and personal experience,
and is not a substitute for medical advice. Questions about your health and individual
situation should be directed to your doctor.